Ghana’s Black Maidens will return to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a two-edition absence, with head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa confirming his final 21-player squad for the tournament in Morocco.
The competition will take place from October 17 to November 7, with Ghana placed in Group C alongside Norway, Brazil and Canada.
Adarkwa has selected three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and five forwards. All 21 players were drawn from clubs in Ghana.
Belinda Maku Aklie, Josephine Nyafule and Rahima Abubakari Napari are the three goalkeeping options.
The defensive group consists of Rafia Osman, Hajara Adam, Latifa Musah, Sarafina Essenam Esse, Juliana Gyekyewaa and Matilda Abu Bonsra Amoah.
Ghana’s midfield choices are Belinda Kpentey, Christiana Ashiaku, Benedicta Danso Nketiah, Seidatu Wahab, Zeinab Shani and Sekinatu Amadu.
The five forwards named in the squad are Jessica Appiah Asamoah, Gloria Adomako, Priscilla Mensah, Cynthia Obinsrewuo and Linda Achiaa.
The Black Maidens secured their place at the World Cup by overcoming Senegal 7-6 on penalties in Accra. The final qualifying tie ended 2-2 on aggregate before Ghana prevailed in the shootout.
That result ended Ghana’s wait to return to the global tournament after the team missed the previous two editions following a ban from CAF competitions.
Ghana will open their Group C campaign against Norway on Sunday, October 18. They will then face Brazil on Thursday, October 22, before completing the group stage against Canada on Saturday, October 24.
All three group matches are scheduled to take place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
The top two teams in each group will qualify for the knockout stage, along with the four best third-placed sides across the six groups.
